The Heart of the Congos (1977) is often considered to be the best Reggae album of all time. It is certainly an exquisite and unique record. At the center of The Heart are the three part harmonies of the Congos, a group of singers brought together by Lee Perry. They are: Cedric Myton (falsetto), Roy "Ashanti" Johnson (tenor), and Watty Burnett (baritone). Many other voices are also heard on the album, including Gregory Isaacs, The Meditations, and The Heptones (reviewed earlier). However the star of the record is Lee Perry's brilliant production.
Perry recorded The Heart at his legendary Black Ark Studio (also reviewed earlier) during his most definitive period. In it we hear all of his dark dense dubby production, all the many layers and heavy instrumentation, apparently including some neighboring farm animals. But there is also a lightness and sweetness to his weird aural mysticism.
Perry recorded The Heart at his legendary Black Ark Studio (also reviewed earlier) during his most definitive period. In it we hear all of his dark dense dubby production, all the many layers and heavy instrumentation, apparently including some neighboring farm animals. But there is also a lightness and sweetness to his weird aural mysticism.
Open Up the Gate |
The Wrong Thing |
Fisherman |